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As India prepares to usher in a new era in Test cricket under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has shared his preferred playing XI for the first Test against England, starting June 20 at Headingley in Leeds.
Ajinkya Rahane’s predicted India XI for Headingley Test
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane offered a bold and refreshing perspective regarding his choices. Notably, Rahane omitted seasoned names like Karun Nair and Prasidh Krishna and instead backed young prospects such as Arshdeep Singh and Sai Sudharsan to make their Test debuts. In a surprising move , Rahane entrusted the No. 3 position to Sudharsan, who has impressed in limited domestic red-ball appearances and showcased a calm temperament in high-pressure environments like the IPL and India A matches. Furthermore, Rahane selected left-arm pacer Arshdeep, who has only a handful of first-class appearances to his name but possesses a skill set that could prove decisive in swinging English conditions.
Strong batting lineup under the leadership of Shubman Gill
Rahane’s predicted XI begins with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as openers, both known for their solid techniques and adaptability in overseas conditions. At No. 3, he surprised many by placing Sudharsan, banking on the youngster’s compact game and temperament to deliver on debut. The middle order is anchored by captain Shubman Gill at No. 4, followed by Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel. Jurel’s selection as a pure middle-order batter indicates Rahane’s preference for depth and stability, especially if India loses early wickets.
Pant, the vice-captain, continues as the wicketkeeper and a dynamic presence at No. 5, capable of counter-punching against England’s pace-heavy attack. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur are both included to strengthen the lower order and provide all-round options, Jadeja for his control and consistency with the ball and Thakur for his knack of producing impactful breakthroughs, in addition to his improved batting contributions in recent Tests. This combination ensures that India bats deep and has versatile bowling choices.
Bowling attack tailored for the England conditions
Rahane’s fast-bowling choices reflect strategic thinking aligned with the conditions expected at Headingley. He opted for three pacers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and the relatively inexperienced Arshdeep. Bumrah’s leadership and unorthodox seam action make him a formidable threat in all conditions, while Siraj’s ability to maintain aggressive lines and lengths complements Bumrah well. However, the most intriguing pick is Arshdeep, whose left-arm angle, swing ability, and knack for finding early breakthroughs could be crucial in a country where such bowlers have traditionally done well.
Rahane’s decision shows faith in Arshdeep’s temperament and ability to rise to the occasion. The exclusion of Krishna, a bowler known for pace but struggling with control, and reliance on Arshdeep reflects an emphasis on movement and variation rather than sheer speed. With Jadeja and Shardul as support options, Rahane’s predicted XI seems balanced and dynamic, potentially giving India the flexibility needed to counter the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach that England will likely bring to the series opener.
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